Église Notre-Dame du Saint-Cordon de Valenciennes, Gothic Revival basilica in Valenciennes, France

The église Notre-Dame du Saint-Cordon de Valenciennes is a Gothic Revival basilica built from 1852 to 1864 by architect Alexandre Grigny. Its 83-metre entrance tower reinterprets the old bell tower of Chartres Cathedral, with three portals and a pyramidal facade. The nave has five bays and rises over 26 metres, while the chevet has an ambulatory with three radiating chapels of Norman inspiration.

Built between 1852 and 1864 by diocesan architect Alexandre Grigny, the church received its minor basilica designation from Pope Pius XI in 1922. This papal recognition came during a period when Gothic Revival architecture remained influential in European church building.

The Tour du Saint-Cordon, held on the second Sunday of September, starts at the basilica and follows a route commemorating the end of the plague in 1008. The procession carries the 1804 painted-wood statue of the Virgin presenting her cord, attributed to Jean-Baptiste Cadet de Beaupré and possibly Pierre Gillet. The cord itself, a relic kept in the former Notre-Dame-la-Grande, gives the devotion its name.

The church welcomes visitors most days, with the parish office available from Monday through Saturday mornings if you have questions or need guidance. It is wise to check opening times in advance, especially around holidays or during special religious observances.

The basilica holds three organs classified as historic monuments: the small choir organ in the Saint Joseph chapel by Joseph Merklin dates from 1864, Pierre Schyven installed the gallery organ in 1874, and the large Merklin organ dates from 1891. All were removed during the restoration begun in 2007 and are to be reinstalled only once the work is finished.